Self-publishing a book is always a great alternative to the hoops and ladders of traditional publishing. Self-publishing offers an opportunity that very few writers and professionals get. This makes it a viable option for anyone who wants to get their message out to the world.
There is no question that self-publishing provides writers and professionals with a great opportunity to get noticed. However, there are times when self-publishing may not be the best way to go. In this article, we are going to explore three reasons when you shouldn’t self-publish a book.
- You Don’t Have the Know-How
The biggest mistake aspiring self-publishers make is to write a book, open an account, and publish without knowing much about the topic. Doing so leads to frustration when book sales fall flat. When writers and publishers are new to the game, they ought to seek help from more experienced and trusted sources. For instance, hiring a professional editor can go a long way to improve the book’s quality. Also, enlisting a professional writing company can prove valuable. Over time, you can learn the ropes of the self-publishing industry and go at it alone. Alternatively, you can build a lasting relationship with publishing partners.
- You Have a Potential Book Deal
There are authors who speak to literary agents but become desperate when their books don’t get picked up. As a result, they choose to go the self-publishing route. When this happens, literary agents choose to pass. This happens because literary agents look at self-publishing as the competition. In a way, it’s like you’re already signed a deal elsewhere. Consequently, if you have a reasonable belief that you may get a book deal at some point, don’t self-publish. If you must, self-publish under a penname. This will save you trouble down the road.
- You Don’t Have a Marketing Strategy
A common misconception is that books sell themselves. As such, many inexperienced folks believe all they need to do is write the book, publish it, and folks will pick it up. However, the reality is quite different. The supply of self-published books is overwhelming. As such, the chances of your book gaining traction on its own are slim.
That’s why you need a marketing plan.
A plan as simple as telling your friends and family about it, posting about it on social media, or getting paid ads to promote it will make the difference between a profit and frustration. While you don’t need to spend a great deal of money on ads, you do need to have a plan. Therefore, you must sit down and think about how you can promote your book.
The first place to start is by looking at your advertising budget. If your budget is slim to none, then grassroots marketing like word-of-mouth advertising is a great place to start. A dedicated website can also help boost visibility. Additionally, creating video content on your book’s topic can go a long way.
Indeed, having a marketing plan in place will become the most valuable tool you can use to promote your material.
